Commissioner
Eva Gaither Chats About Women's History Month

Those who know the history of The Salvation Army know that along with General William Booth, Mother of the Army Catherine Booth and first female General Evangeline Booth are held in high-esteem.

In honor of Women’s History Month, I had the opportunity to ask a few questions of another important woman to the Army, Commissioner Eva D. Gaither. Get to know her and understand the importance of women to The Salvation Army.

Q. What is the significance of National Women’s History month?

A. It is very important, and appropriate, that the contribution and impact women have had on our nation – and especially the key role of women in The Salvation Army – be appropriately recognized and honored.

Q. What is the role of women in the Army?

A. The role of women, serving Christ, in the Army is invaluable to a successful Salvation Army!

Q. How have women impacted the course and success of the Army?

A. [Since] The moment the Mother of The Salvation Army, Catherine Booth asked her Husband William ‘if she could have a word’; women in this movement have had a strong voice and presence in the continuing growth and expanding of the global Salvation Army.

Q. Evangeline Booth is perhaps one of the most important women in the history of the Army. What legacy did she leave behind for future female soldiers of the Army?

A. Evangeline Booth was a highly effective leader in her day – and her skill at leading and influencing is a model for modern day women. The pages of Salvation Army history reveal the richness of this anointed woman of God.

Q. Please name three women whom you admire or to whom you attribute with impacting your life in a significant way.

A. Three women have had a significant influence in the shaping of my life. My mother, Merle E. Shue, by her Christian example has been the primary influence.

Commissioner Helen Waldron was a great example of a woman leader during the time of my service as a young officer. She modeled what a Salvation Army officer was to be.

Lt. Colonel Jean Strain modeled the importance of team ministry with my husband as well as developing strong relationships with officer and employee staff.

Q. What are your duties as the National President of Women’s Ministries?

A. I serve as a member of several internal boards and councils at National Headquarters which gives me the privilege of impacting and influencing policy and decision. Likewise I serve as a member of the Commissioners’ Conference, the national policy making body for the Army in the USA. Related to that function, I serve as the Chair of the Women’s Commission, whose membership consists of the four territorial presidents and territorial secretaries of Women’s Ministries.

I also serve as a representative of NHQ on the National Advisory Board.

My ministry also gives me the privilege of travel with the National Commander, providing opportunities for me to minister in a variety of internal and external settings.

Beyond all of the formal leadership responsibilities that are mine, it is my desire to encourage others who share the work of this ministry.

Q. Would you briefly describe some of the programs and aims of Women’s Ministries?

A. The objective of Women’s Ministry in The Salvation Army is summarized very well in The Salvation Army Year Book as:

“To bring women into a knowledge of Jesus Christ, encourage their full potential in influencing family, friends and community; equip them for growth in personal understanding and life skills; and address issues which affect women and their families in the world.”

Q. What is your vision for Women’s Ministries?

A. Having had the privilege of serving in an appointment that exposed me to women working on behalf of the mission of The Army, I have an even stronger belief in the power possessed by Christian women especially to change the world. My personal mission is to encourage and enable women to become all that they can be through Christ.

Q. What legacy do you hope to leave once your service to the Army has ended?

A. As long as I am alive, including years in retirement that God may gift to me – I shall be a Salvation Army officer. And I just want to be remembered as an officer leader who simply has been faithful to the call of God on my life.